Former India T20I captain Rohit Sharma has credited three key figures—Rahul Dravid, Ajit Agarkar, and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) honourary secretary Jay Shah—for their pivotal roles in India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. Rohit Sharma praised the trio for their instrumental support in fostering an environment that allowed players to perform freely and confidently.
India clinched the T20 World Cup title on June 29, defeating South Africa by a narrow margin of seven runs in a high-stakes final held in Barbados. This victory marked the end of an 11-year ICC trophy drought for India, dating back to their Champions Trophy win in 2013 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.
In a recent award ceremony, Rohit Sharma reflected on the importance of the supportive environment created by Rahul Dravid, Ajit Agarkar, and Jay Shah. “It was my dream to transform this team and not worry too much about the stats or the results. We aimed to create an environment where players could go out and play freely without excessive pressure,” Rohit Sharma explained.
He emphasized that Rahul Dravid, Ajit Agarkar, and Jay Shah were instrumental in achieving this goal. “I received immense support from my three pillars—Mr. Jay Shah, Mr. Rahul Dravid, and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar,” Rohit Sharma said, acknowledging their contributions.
Rohit Sharma also shared his sentiments about winning the T20 World Cup, describing it as an extraordinary and rare experience. “Winning the World Cup was a moment we had all hoped for. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe and doesn’t come every day. Celebrating this victory with the nation was incredibly special,” Rohit Sharma added.
The T20 World Cup win was not only significant for the team but also resonated deeply with fans across the country. Rohit Sharma noted that the triumph meant a great deal to the entire nation. “Bringing the trophy home and celebrating with everyone was a fantastic experience that words can hardly capture. It’s a moment we will cherish forever,” he said.
Following the World Cup victory, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirements from T20I cricket, though they continue to play pivotal roles in the ODI and Test formats. Rohit Sharma’s leadership and the support from Rahul Dravid, Ajit Agarkar, and Jay Shah have been highlighted as key factors in India’s successful World Cup campaign, marking a significant chapter in Indian cricket.
